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The Sun
a day ago
- Business
- The Sun
Lima'25 a resounding success with RM11 billion in deals
PETALING JAYA: The 17th edition of the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (Lima'25) concluded on a high note with RM11 billion in transactions signed over five dynamic days. Co-organised by the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) and Global Exhibitions & Conferences Sdn Bhd (GEC), Lima'25 lived up to its theme, 'Innovate Today, Thrive Tomorrow', by setting new benchmarks in participation, innovation and impact. This year's event held from May 20-24 welcomed more than 860 companies from 24 countries, featured 15 country pavilions and hosted dignitaries from 64 nations, making it the most internationally represented edition in Lima's history. With 43 aircraft and 31 ships from both local and foreign countries, alongside an expanded programme across four exhibition halls and interactive themed zones, the exhibition drew tens of thousands of trade and public visitors. GEC managing director Abd Hafiz Abu Bakar said: 'Success is built on strong pillars – hard work, innovation, learning, and unity. By bringing these elements together at Lima'25, we created a platform where progress is possible and opportunities are open to all.' In congratulating Mindef and GEC for successfully organising the event, Kedah State Tourism, Culture, Arts and Entrepreneurship Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Salleh Saidin said Lima'25 has delivered far-reaching economic and social benefits for Langkawi and greater Kedah, contributing positively to their goals for Visit Kedah Year 2025. 'It has brought the world to our doorstep, creating invaluable exposure and business opportunities for our local SMEs. The spillover effects extend across key sectors – tourism, hospitality, logistics and services – enabling us to unlock the full potential of Kedah's vibrant economy. I am happy to say that restaurants and eateries were always full on a daily basis, and almost all establishments in Langkawi benefitted from Lima'25, directly or indirectly,' he added. Mohd Salleh expressed confidence that events of this calibre will continue to position Kedah as a globally competitive destination, while driving sustainable growth and inclusive development for the people. *I hope to see the next edition of Lima continue to catalyse opportunities for growth, innovation and global engagement for Kedah and beyond,' he said. At Lima'25, numerous strategic collaborations were forged between local and international players through memorandums of understanding, letters of intent and contracts, contributing to a total transaction value of RM11 billion. A total of 1,400 business-to-business and 920 business-to-government meetings were facilitated, and nine conferences and two industrial competitions were organised. These outcomes affirm LLima's status as a catalyst for innovation, cross-border collaboration, and inclusive industrial development. The 18th edition of Lima is tentatively scheduled for 2027, with Mindef and GEC calling on all stakeholders to continue building on the momentum of this landmark event.


New Straits Times
13-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Lima '25 aims to attract 350,000 visitors to Langkawi
LANGKAWI: The Kedah government is targeting 350,000 visitors for the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2025 (Lima '25), which will take place over five days, beginning on May 20. State Tourism, Culture, Arts and Entrepreneurship Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Salleh Saidin said the target encompassed both trade and public visitors from within Malaysia and abroad. "Langkawi is fortunate to be hosting two prestigious events simultaneously — Lima '25 from May 20 to 24, and the inaugural Langkawi International Boat Show (MyBOS) from May 21 to 25. "During this period, we anticipate between 300,000 and 350,000 visitors to arrive on the island," he said at a press conference following the Lima '25 Coordination Meeting with various government and private sector agencies, held at the Langkawi District and Land Office today. Salleh said that the meeting also finalised plans for 18 fringe events across three designated locations — Kuah town, Padang Matsirat, and Pantai Chenang — aimed at creating a festive atmosphere throughout the exhibition period. "We are fully prepared to be an excellent host for the 17th edition of Lima. At the same time, MyBOS represents a significant milestone for Malaysia's maritime industry. "Combined, both events are expected to attract around 400,000 tourists to the island in May, giving a major boost to visitor numbers in support of the Visit Kedah Year 2025 campaign," he said. Lima '25 is co-organised by the Defence Ministry and Global Exhibitions and Conferences Sdn Bhd (GEC), with the aerospace segment to be held at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC) and the maritime segment at Resorts World Langkawi.


New Straits Times
26-04-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
23 yacht operators to take part in international boat show in Langkawi
LANGKAWI: A total of 23 luxury yacht and boat operators will take part in the Malaysia International Boat Show 2025 (Mybos'25), which will be held here from May 21 to 25. The inaugural international event will take place at the Royal Langkawi Yacht Club. Kedah's Tourism, Culture, and Entrepreneurship Committee chairman, Datuk Mohd Salleh Saidin, said Mybos'25 would add vibrancy to the ongoing Visit Kedah Year 2025. "Mybos'25 will certainly complement the prestigious biennial Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2025 (Lima'25), as both events will run concurrently. "This makes May a peak period for tourist arrivals in Langkawi," he said at a press conference after attending a Hari Raya Aidilfitri ceremony at the Langkawi District and Land Office compound last night. For the record, Lima'25 will be held from May 20 to 24. Salleh said Mybos'25 would feature a wide range of international marine products, including the latest maritime technologies and luxury yachts. "This is not just a boat exhibition, it also serves as a business networking platform for industry players, investors and boat enthusiasts from around the world," he said. The debut event is jointly organised by Mybos Event Sdn Bhd and Sail Malaysia, with support from the Langkawi Development Authority, the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, and the Transport Ministry.


New Straits Times
22-04-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Not feasible for Kedah govt to operate ferry, flight services to Langkawi
ALOR STAR: Proposals for the Kedah state government to manage ferry and flight services from the capital to Langkawi have been deemed impractical and commercially unviable. State Tourism, Culture, Arts and Entrepreneurship Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Salleh Saidin stressed the importance of learning from the Langkawi Development Authority's (Lada) past failure to sustain its ferry service to the island. "There was a time when Lada operated a ferry service in the hope of enhancing the tourism sector and improving local connectivity. However, the initiative failed to achieve its intended objectives, as the ferries purchased were unable to operate optimally or consistently," he told the state assembly today. Salleh added that a series of technical issues, along with weaknesses in maintenance and operational management, ultimately rendered the ferries unfit for regular use. "As a result, the investment failed to deliver satisfactory returns for the agency and caused financial and reputational damage to Lada and its subsidiary," he said in response to a suggestion from Amar Pared Mahamud (PN–Kuah). Salleh also said that operating flights from Alor Star to Langkawi was not commercially viable. "It is worth noting that the relatively short distance — some 100km — makes the route less viable for flight services when compared with existing land and sea transport alternatives," he said, in response to a suggestion by Loh Wei Chai (PH–Bakar Arang). However, Salleh expressed openness to further engagement with the Transport Ministry, Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad, and airline operators to conduct a feasibility study on the route. "This could include exploring the potential for seasonal or chartered flights, particularly in conjunction with the Visit Kedah Year 2025 campaign for promotional purposes," he said.